• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Food Fun & Faraway Places
  • Start Here
  • Food & Drink
    • Breakfast
    • Appetizers
    • Cocktails
    • Entrees
    • Dessert
    • Weight Watchers Recipes
  • Destinations
    • Florida
    • North America
    • South America
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • Asia
    • Cruises
  • Work with Us!
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Start Here
  • Food
    • Breakfast
    • Entrees
    • Appetizers
    • Dessert
  • Fun
  • Faraway Places
  • Work with Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Start Here
    • Food
      • Breakfast
      • Entrees
      • Appetizers
      • Dessert
    • Fun
    • Faraway Places
    • Work with Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Dessert

    Chunky Monkey Cupcakes Recipe

    Published: Apr 17, 2015 · Modified: Mar 3, 2022 by Kelly Stilwell · This post may contain affiliate links 29 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Banana cupcakes on white plate.

    I made these Chunky Monkey Cupcakes to celebrate the opening day of Disneynature's Monkey Kingdom. 

    This version of the Chunky Monkey Cupcake is so moist and delicious, largely because of the pudding in the cake recipe.

    To make this recipe even more mouthwatering, there's fruit filling! Why not make a batch of Chunky Monkey Cupcakes to snack on this afternoon?

    I made these Chunky Monkey Cupcakes to celebrate the opening day of Disneynature's Monkey Kingdom. This version of the Chunky Monkey Cupcake is so moist and delicious, largely because of the pudding in the cake recipe.

    It’s no secret that bananas are good for you. Not only are they packed with potassium to promote heart health, but they’re also a great source of vitamins and fiber, and can help you lose weight while still staying full!

    Bananas can also help you manage your blood pressure, so you can have a sweet but healthy snack without loading up on too much sugar or carbs. 

    And speaking of healthy snacks, bananas are the perfect treat for your own little monkeys! They’re low on fat, sodium, and cholesterol, and help to encourage strong bone and muscle growth.

    Bananas are in season all year ‘round and come in a convenient yellow carrying case—what’s not to love?

    What You Need to Make Chunky Monkey Cupcakes

    Gather your ingredients. To make the cupcakes, you will need flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, salt, sugar, vanilla, vegetable oil, eggs, milk, sour cream, and banana cream pudding mix.

    For the apple mixture that goes inside the cupcakes, you'll need apples of your choice, water, and sugar.

    To make the frosting, you'll need unsalted sweet cream butter, powdered sugar, imitation banana extract, heavy whipping cream, yellow food coloring, caramel for drizzle on top, along with 2-3 bananas depending on size. You'll need 18 banana slices, ½ - ¾ inches. 

    These Chunky Monkey Cupcakes were made in celebration of the new Disneynature film, Monkey Kingdom. Everyone loves Disney, and Just about everyone loves fruit, right? This cupcake recipe has both apples and bananas in it! It's a moist and delicious dessert, perfect for snacking on before or after seeing Monkey Kingdom.

    Cupcake Directions

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place cupcake liners in a cupcake pan.

    Add dry ingredients into a mixing bowl. Sift together.

    Mix liquid ingredients together. Once the liquid ingredients are fully combined, mix the liquid and dry ingredients together.

    Add eggs to the mixture, beating until totally combined.

    Pour batter into lined pan until ¾ full, and bake at 350° degrees for 15-18 minutes.

    Let cool for 15-20 minutes. Once completely cool, use a small scooper or spoon and scoop a hole in the center of the cupcake.

    These Chunky Monkey Cupcakes were made in celebration of the new Disneynature film, Monkey Kingdom. Everyone loves Disney, and Just about everyone loves fruit, right? This cupcake recipe has both apples and bananas in it! It's a moist and delicious dessert, perfect for snacking on before or after seeing Monkey Kingdom.

    Cooked Apple Directions

    Peel, core, and chop apples into small pieces. Add water, apples, and sugar to a pot and cook on stove until the apple chunks become tender.

    Cool apple mixture in the refrigerator overnight or for several hours. Fill the hole made with the cupcake scooper with the chunky cooked apples.

    Frosting Directions

    Mix soft butter with sugar in stand up mixer until they look like small rock pebbles. Add whipping cream and continue to beat at medium speed. Add 2 drops yellow food coloring.

    Add in the imitation banana extract. Continue to mix until frosting stands in stiff peaks.

    If the peaks aren't stiff enough, add powdered sugar at ½ C  at a time until the peaks form and stand.

    Apply the frosting to cupcakes in a pastry bag with tip. (This Wilton pastry bag is the one I use.)

    Drizzle with caramel and a thick banana slice on top.

    These Chunky Monkey Cupcakes were made in celebration of the new Disneynature film, Monkey Kingdom. Everyone loves Disney, and Just about everyone loves fruit, right? This cupcake recipe has both apples and bananas in it! It's a moist and delicious dessert, perfect for snacking on before or after seeing Monkey Kingdom.

    If you're a Disney fan, check out these 17 Amazing Disney-themed cupcakes!

    Monkey Kingdom is one of the Disneynature films. It's educational and fun, so be sure to see it with the whole family.

    Save these Chunky Monkey Cupcakes to Pinterest for Later!

    These Chunky Monkey Cupcakes were made in celebration of the new Disneynature film, Monkey Kingdom. Everyone loves Disney, and Just about everyone loves fruit, right? This cupcake recipe has both apples and bananas in it! It's a moist and delicious dessert, perfect for snacking on before or after seeing Monkey Kingdom.

    Chunky Monkey Cupcakes Recipe

    Delicious chocolate and banana cupcakes. Easy recipe.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print this Recipe Pin this Recipe Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 18 minutes
    Additional Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 58 minutes
    Servings: 18
    Calories: 412kcal
    Author: Kelly Stilwell

    Ingredients

    For Cupcakes

    • 2 C flour
    • 1 C cocoa
    • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
    • 2 teaspoon baking powder
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt
    • 1 ½ C granulated sugar
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    • ¾ C vegetable oil
    • 4 eggs room temp
    • ½ C milk
    • 1 C sour cream
    • 1 3.4 oz banana cream pudding

    For the Cooked Apples

    • 4 apples of your choice
    • 2 C water
    • ½ C Sugar

    For Frosting

    • ½ C unsalted sweet cream butter
    • 2 C powdered sugar
    • 3 teaspoon of imitation banana extract
    • 2 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
    • 2 drops yellow food coloring
    • Caramel for drizzle on top
    • 2 large bananas

    Instructions

    • To Make CupcakesPreheat oven to 350 degrees. Place cupcake liners in a cupcake pan.
    • Add dry ingredients into a mixing bowl. Sift together.
    • Mix liquid ingredients together. Once the liquid ingredients are fully combined, mix the liquid and dry ingredients together.
    • Add eggs to the mixture, beating until totally combined.
    • Pour batter into lined pan until ¾ full, and bake at 350° degrees for 15-18 minutes.
    • Let cool for 15-20 minutes. Once completely cool, use a small scooper or spoon and scoop a hole in the center of the cupcake.
    • For the Apple FillingPeel, core, and chop apples into small pieces. Add water, apples, and sugar to a pot and cook on stove until the apple chunks become tender.
    • Cool apple mixture in the refrigerator overnight or for several hours. Fill the hole made with the cupcake scooper with the chunky cooked apples.
    • For the FrostingMix soft butter with sugar in stand up mixer until they look like small rock pebbles. Add whipping cream and continue to beat at medium speed. Add 2 drops yellow food coloring.
    • Add in the imitation banana extract. Continue to mix until frosting stands in stiff peaks.
    • If the peaks aren't stiff enough, add powdered sugar at ½ C  at a time until the peaks form and stand.
    • Apply the frosting to cupcakes in a pastry bag with tip. (This Wilton pastry bag is the one I use.)
    • Drizzle with caramel and a thick banana slice on top.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 | Calories: 412kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 177mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 39g
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @kastilwell or tag #FFFP!
    « Disney Pixar Inside Out Cupcakes!
    5 Reasons to Splurge on Disney's Wild Africa Trek »
    54776 shares
    • 906
    • 148

    Affiliate Disclosure

    Food, Fun & Faraway Places participates in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and other affiliated sites.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sam

      July 29, 2020 at 8:26 pm

      I made these tonight. I actually did things a little different being that I am a baker with my own business. I did the sugar and oil first mixed for a few minutes, then added in eggs. Put the flour, cocoa, pudding mix, baking powder and sugar in a bowl and stirred it. Put my milk, vanilla and sour cream in a bowl and mixed it. Then added everything into the sugar and eggs, alternating dry and wet, starting with dry and ending with dry. I actually ended up with 24 cupcakes

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        July 29, 2020 at 8:43 pm

        Thanks, Sam. It's been forever since I've made these. I'll have to try your method and see how it works out. Were they on the smaller side? How was the flavor?

        Reply
    2. Jennifer

      June 17, 2019 at 4:03 pm

      Hi Kelly--these look yummy! Questions:
      1. Approximately how many standard sized cupcakes does the recipe make;
      2. What is drizzled over the frosting; &
      3. Did you use food color to tint the frosting yellow or did the banana flavoring you use do that?

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        June 25, 2019 at 11:14 pm

        So sorry I'm just seeing this, Jennifer! 12 standard cupcakes. Caramel is drizzled over top. Yes, 2 drops of yellow food coloring to tint frosting. Recipe has been updated.

        Reply
    3. Desiree

      February 23, 2019 at 12:53 am

      How much butter is used in the frosting?

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        February 23, 2019 at 1:42 am

        Sorry, Desiree. It was supposed to say sweet cream butter.

        Reply
    4. Rebecca

      December 31, 2018 at 5:07 pm

      How do you keep the banana slices for garnish ripe and not from browning?

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        December 31, 2018 at 5:29 pm

        Hi Rebecca! You can either slice just before serving or soak them for a couple of minutes in lemon or pineapple juice. They will still retain the color. Happy New Year!

        Reply
    5. Liann

      July 12, 2018 at 10:53 pm

      How many cupcakes does this recipe make?

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        June 25, 2019 at 11:14 pm

        12 standard cupcakes

        Reply
    6. Melissa

      October 02, 2016 at 2:05 am

      what is the stuff drizzled on top of the icing?

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        June 25, 2019 at 11:14 pm

        Caramel

        Reply
    7. BJ

      August 18, 2016 at 4:45 pm

      How many cupcakes does this make? Looks yummy:)

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        June 25, 2019 at 11:15 pm

        12 standard cupcakes

        Reply
    8. Melissa

      December 03, 2015 at 12:19 pm

      I would serve these with a scoop of Ben and Jerry's Chunky Monkey. Double delicious 😀 New follower! Come say hi sometime! http://www.facebook.com/thehappyidiot

      Reply
    9. Tori

      December 01, 2015 at 8:15 pm

      I CANNOT wait to try this! So glad I found you on Hit Me with Your Best Shot!

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        December 01, 2015 at 10:52 pm

        Thank you, Tori!! Let me know how you love them 🙂

        Reply
    10. Reyna Ayala

      September 07, 2015 at 8:54 pm

      So do you make the instant pudding or just add the packet to the dry ingredients?

      Reply
    11. Olivia Rodriguez

      August 31, 2015 at 11:12 pm

      About how many cupcakes does this recipe make? And will chocolate lovers love this recipe?

      Reply
      • Kelly Stilwell

        June 25, 2019 at 11:15 pm

        12 standard cupcakes

        Reply
    12. Lou Lou Girls

      May 02, 2015 at 7:20 pm

      Okay, I'm drooling right now! Looks so good. Pinned and tweeted. I hope to see you on Monday at 7, we can't wait to party with you! Lou Lou Girls

      Reply
    13. Must Love Home

      April 29, 2015 at 5:11 pm

      Hi there Friend, you are so creative! Thank you for joining in at the Friday Favorites Link Party! I hope to see you there this week:) Christine -Must Love Home

      Reply
    14. cathy

      April 27, 2015 at 9:21 pm

      Yummmmm! This is a great recipe! I would love for you to share this at my party Making Memories Mondays going on now! Hope to see you there!
      Cathy

      Reply
      • Kelly

        April 28, 2015 at 10:46 pm

        Thank you, Cathy! I appreciate that!

        Reply
    15. Mel @ Adventures of Mel

      April 27, 2015 at 11:58 am

      Oh wow, these look so scrumptious! And I can't wait to see that movie with the boys. Thank you for sharing at Inspire Me Wednesday. Featuring you in this week's issue.

      Reply
      • Kelly

        April 28, 2015 at 10:46 pm

        Thank you for visiting, Mel! I've seen it twice and you and your family will love it!

        Reply
    16. Mary Ellen

      April 23, 2015 at 10:33 pm

      These cupcakes look and sound wonderful. Pinned.

      Reply
    17. Sandra

      April 23, 2015 at 7:42 pm

      I have some bananas that have been waiting on this recipe!

      Reply
    18. Ashley

      April 23, 2015 at 7:37 pm

      Hi there! Visiting from the Weekend Re-treat link party. These looks so pretty and delicious! I love chocolate and banana together! I'm pinning for later!

      Reply

    Share your Thoughts! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Kelly eating on a cruise ship.

    Welcome! Food, Fun & Faraway Places® is a travel and food blog written by Kelly Stilwell. From delicious recipes to world travel, we’ve got you covered! Contact Kelly at kastilwell@gmail.com.

    More about me →

    More Fall Recipes

    • Easy Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
    • 27 Homemade Pumpkin Desserts
    • Best Bread for Soup
    • 20 Delicious Soup Recipes

    Travel Ideas

    • Best Restaurants in Disney Springs Florida
    • Costa Smeralda Ship Mediterranean Cruise
    • 20 Best Restaurants in Sarasota Florida
    • Culinary Adventures on Rocky Mountaineer Canada

    Join the Family!





    Footer

    ^ back to top

    as seen in banner

    About

    • Start Here
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with Me
    • FAQ

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Kelly Stilwell